John F. King
Georgia Insurance and Safety Fire Commissioner
By Invitation
State-Based Exchange Growth & Innovation Conference
- May 13–14, 2026
- Nobu Hotel Atlanta
About the Event
Shaping the Future of Health Insurance Marketplaces
The State of Georgia Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and Safety Fire invites select state leaders from across the country to Atlanta for the State-Based Exchange Growth & Innovation Conference. This two-day by-invitation event will bring together health exchange, insurance, and policy leaders to examine how the health insurance landscape is evolving, share lessons learned from Georgia’s transition to the Georgia Access State-Based Exchange, and identify practical opportunities for continued collaboration across states.
Attendees will discuss strategies to expand coverage, reduce barriers, and strengthen enrollment operations, with a focus on actionable models and considerations for states transitioning from the federal exchange.
Conference Hosts
Martin R. Sullivan
Chief of Staff and Chief Deputy Commissioner, Georgia Office of Insurance and Safety Fire
Cheryl Gardner
Executive Director, Georgia Access
Conference Schedule
Two Days of Insight
Wednesday, May 13, 2026
| Time* | Event |
|---|---|
| 5:00–6:30 PM | Registration and Networking Reception |
| 6:30–8:00 PM | Welcome Dinner |
Thursday, May 14, 2026
| Time* | Event |
|---|---|
| 8:00–9:00 AM | Registration, Breakfast, Networking |
| 9:00–9:15 AM | Opening Remarks |
| 9:15–10:00 AM | Evolution of the Affordable Care Act |
| 10:00–10:15 AM | Brief Break |
| 10:15–11:00 AM | Examining the State‑Based Exchange Landscape |
| 11:00 AM–12:00 PM | Innovative Exchange Approaches, Funding, and Federal Opportunities |
| 12:00–1:00 PM | Lunch |
| 1:00–1:50 PM | Workshop: Facilitated SBE Simulation and Considerations |
| 1:50–2:15 PM | Workshop Readout, Learnings |
| 2:15–3:00 PM | Overview of Georgia Access for Business |
| 3:00–3:15 PM | Brief Break |
| 3:15–4:00 PM | Section 1332 Waiver Pathways |
| 4:00–4:30 PM | Closing Remarks |
Featured Voices
Conference Speakers
Joel Ario
Former Director of the Office of Insurance Exchanges, HHS; Former Insurance Commissioner, Pennsylvania; and former Insurance Administrator, Oregon
Kiernan Conn
Special Advisor, Georgia Access
George Durham
Partner, MGT State & Local, Social Impact
Naomi Fiumara
VP, Client Relations, NFP
Shan Jeffreys
Principal Business Technology Strategist, Jeffreys Corporation
Heather Korbulic
VP Policy and Communications, VIMO/GetInsured
Duane McKee
Founder, McKee Consulting Group
Peter Nelson
Deputy Administrator & Director, CCIIO
Randy Pate
Founder and CEO, StatesWork Inc.
Secure Your Seat
This event is by invitation only. If you’ve received an invitation, register below to confirm your attendance.
- Nobu Hotel Atlanta | 3520 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30326